Dentures are a great way to restore your smile to a full set of pearly whites. They are comfortable to wear, function like real teeth, and look indistinguishable from a natural smile. Even though a smile with dentures can’t be picked out of a lineup of mouths full of real teeth, these dental appliances are also quite affordable. Here are some factors that impact the costs of dentures.
How Much Can Dentures Cost?
In the US, the average cost of dentures is around $1,300 without insurance, but there are different pricing tiers. Without insurance, a complete set of low-cost dentures ranges between $600 and $1,000. A set in the mid-range tier would usually cost about $1,000 to $3,000. For premium dentures, a set is about $4,000 to $8,000. This puts them on the more affordable side of dental restorations.
What Are Some Factors Affecting the Cost of Dentures?
Some factors impacting the cost of dentures include:
Office location
As with any dental treatment, costs vary among practices. A practice in a big city will usually charge more than one in a small town.
Size of the dentures
Since different mouths come in different sizes, so do dentures. Full dentures replace a whole row of teeth while partial dentures replace a section of one. Full dentures are more expensive than partial ones because more teeth make dentures more expensive. Implant dentures are also more expensive because they involve surgical placement of titanium posts.
Materials used
The bases of most dentures are made of acrylic resin, but some can be more expensive because they include a metal mesh layer to make the denture stronger. The artificial teeth are made of porcelain or the same acrylic resin as the base. Acrylic teeth are lighter and more affordable, but they also wear down more quickly. Porcelain restorations, while more expensive, are heavier, more durable, and look more like real teeth.
Are There Financing Options Available for Dentures?
If a patient has dental insurance, it usually pays up to 50% of denture costs. If you have dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $500 to $4,000 for a complete set of dentures.
Even without insurance, there are ways to finance a new set of dentures. A discount dental plan gives a patient access to a network of dentists providing discounted rates to members. Being a member can get you a full upper denture for as little as $625. Some dental practices provide denture services with payment plans, allowing the patient to pay off the bill in increments.
Alternatively, dental schools can provide denture services with the help of dental students under the watchful eye of licensed dentists. Government programs also exist to offer grants for dentures to people like seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income households.
Dentures are an excellent solution to tooth loss, and there are ways for people without insurance to pay for them. If you have lost multiple teeth, they can give you a new smile and all the opportunities that come with it.
About the Author
Dr. Breanne Dufault earned her dental doctorate at the University of Connecticut before participating in the post-graduate residency program for advanced treatment in prosthodontics. Her practice provides restorative dental treatments to the community of Estero, FL. Services include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and dentures. For more information about pricing and financing options for dentures, contact her office online or dial (239) 688-4404.